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In the mix: Chelsea’s mail: An opinion on doctor-assisted suicide

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, June 29, 2009

Q: As a caregiver, do you have an opinion about doctor-assisted suicide?

A: This isn’t something I have to deal with at all at work, but it is definitely something I have found myself wondering about.

As caregivers, I’m sure we all have an opinion on the topic. I find myself conflicted on the issue: When talking with someone who is for it, I feel like they come up with good evidence and arguments. But then when I talk to someone who is against it, I rethink my opinions.

I don’t know if there is a right or wrong answer to this. Here are a few questions that help me to look deeper into this topic. See what you think:

• Should Kevorkian-style services be available to any patient that is terminally ill and facing certain death in six months?
• Is there a difference if the patient is in unremitting physical pain or if they are suffering from emotional despair?
• Is it relevant that pain can be reduced through modern pain-relieving techniques?
• Should the option of a support group and hospice care be made mandatory for all terminally ill patients?

I am still going back and forth on this topic and I would really love to hear your thoughts on this.

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